Death Proof Movie Review

Written & Directed by: Quentin Tarantino

---Spoilers included-------

In one of earlier post I have mentioned that Grind House is one of the top ten films of 2007. Still I am watching many 2007 movies. But I like the overall experience. I think I wrote small review after watching the same in this blog. I watched Tarantino Death Proof movie part again. {Available in Netflix instance watch category) }Basically this movie is perfect homage to 70’s grind house movies. Tarantino's use of camera, sexual exploitation perfectly blended with energetic actors, characters and story. I personally absolutely loved it. DVD contains lot of extra scenes in particular lap dance part etc. {if you really enjoyed the movies on the screen, then definitely you will enjoy the DVD also) I think the music is the best part & QT dialogs are lengthy but worthy and the movie pace was little slow compared some of QT’s hit movies. Kurt Russell performance was solid & much talked car chase real fun to watch. My rating 8.5/10 alone for movie.

Water movie Review

Written & Directed by Deepa Mehta
---Spoilers included-------




This is my second Deepa Mehta movie and I would rate her as one of Indian cinema's sensible movie directors. Set in late 30’s of pre independence time Indian society, Water chronicles the lives of several widows (primarily focusing three different widows of different ages groups which includes eight year old girl played by Sarala, Sri Lankan actress. Movie opening scene was shocker. Father asking his eight year old daughter "Do you remember getting married? Your husband is dead, you're a widow now”. And later she was sent by her family to a house for widows. Rest of the plot revolves her life around the strange world of windows & where she meets, develops friendship with Kalyani (Lisa Ray) & Shakuntala (Seem Biswas). As an inner plot we will see Kalyani fall in love with young man & her story ends with unfortunate consequences. Story lacks depth however cinematography, fine performances & good background score engages the viewer. Seema Biswas, Young Salara has done excellent job carrying the movie towards the end. Strictly for art house fans.
Black and white color sets even the better mood for this kind of film. I don’t like the color aspect. this is only my major negative from my side.

Last weekend movies

Dark Days (9/10) An excellent documentary about homeless people of New York City. Simply awesome from debut maker.
Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (8.5/10)
The Man Who Wasn't There (8.5/10)

Lost In Translation movie review

Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Bill Murray

Directed by: Sofia Coppola

---Spoilers included-------

In brief the plot revolves around two married people, one is young confused charlotte, played by Scarlett Johansson, and the other one is Bob Harris, played by Bill Murray, who was on short trip to Tokyo for a commercial shooting. Both are isolated not only from other people who speak English but isolated in their own marriages to some extent. Most of the he movie takes place in a rich hotel in Tokyo & on the Tokyo streets. Their common loneliness leads them to some kind of strange emotional rapport, they spends whole night on unknown Tokyo streets and one have to see the final ending on the big screen. The performances are solid, genuine and natural. Another major strength of this movie is appropriate dialogs & less dialog scenes in which actors eye contact, and body language tells lot of things. I liked the visuals - I loved seeing a bit of Tokyo. In particular the giant dinosaur display in the background scene, simply awesome. If you are looking for Bill Murray comedy, then this is not a movie for you.

Last weekend movies

The Host: Feels like a loosely inspired by “Godzilla”, this Bong's action thriller about a mysterious creature & a family struggle get their girl struck in Monster nest. I liked the director approach of showing some personality to the monster& its introduction scenes etc. Few scenes are original & fine performances & realistic CGI engages the viewer. It will not have long sticking power like Bong earlier movie. 8/10

The water: This movie is not for everyone. In brief the plot is about pre independence time Indian society & their treatment of fellow widows & story revolves around three widows of different age groups. Story lacks depth however cinematography, fine performances & good background score engages the viewer. (8/10)

Lost in Translation: Yet another movie on the subject of loneliness. This film follows the two lonely American souls in Tokyo (A middle-aged man and young house wife). Good meaningful character study of two identical people has drawn each other in an unknown country. If you are looking for Murray comedy, then this is not a movie for you. Both Bill Murray and Charlotte Johansson acting were solid. 8/10

Last weekend movies

Down by Law by Jim Jarmusch
During late 90’s, I first saw Down by Law and enjoyed a lot. I watched it again over weekend. After two decades, Still it hasn't aged at all. In fact, it has gotten even better.
Simple story, nice visuals, wonderfully written dialogues, better acted , Cinematography is perfectly done & background soundtrack is very very big plus point.
Film opens with amazing opening scene of the seedy streets of New Orleans as we listen to Tom Waits' "Jockey full of Bourbon." Every shot in that opening scene could be a fine piece of art hanging on a wall. 10 out of 10. Another fine DVD from Criterion Collection.

Secret things

A complex movie that showcases the violence and the decay that is just under the surface of high society life & questions morality and finally pushes the limits. In brief this movie is about two young women, a stripper and barmaids, who were unemployed and decide to use their sex appeal as a tool to get on the fast track to success in the corporate world. Things go as planned for them for a while until they meet a more cunning, evil man and rest of story revolves around three people lives. The film is well cast, and the all three leads gave strong performances. The story ok. As I said it pushed the limits at the end. Some of the scenes with nudity are pretty erotic but they're present with great style. Cinematography was simply amazing in few scenes. 7 out of 10. For mature audience only

The Bank Dick

I watch and love many old films and the reason I watched this one too. For some reasons, I did not like content & Field’s jokes. Whatever the final car chase was pure fun & original.

Battleship Potemkin (1925) Movie Review

Directed by: Sergei M. Eisenstein
---Spoilers included-------
"Battleship Potemkin", was on many critics' all time top ten movie lists & I have heard of Battleship Potemkin for sometime and finally got time to view it. (Big thanks to Netflix for unlimited free streamed movie feature. Watched the same movie twice in a 10 hour gap.)

In brief this movie plot revolves around the mutiny on the Battleship Potemkin that helped ignite a populist revolt in Odessa, subsequnt massacre at the hands of Cossack troops and the final encounter with a Russian fleet. I was surprised & stunned for the content. The cinematography, especially the high black and white contrast, the glint of light on the sea at night, is fascinating & this alone worth viewing. Also much talked Odessa Steps sequence was stunning and I can see how this film influenced many of the movies that I enjoy today. The innovation offered by Eisenstein is incredible & truly a classic film. No wonder it finds top place in many critics list. Anyone who loves old films should see this one. 10 out of 10.

Last weekend movies

North by Northwest:
My favorite classic Hitchcock movie.
The casting, acting is top notch & the sets in this movie are truly memorable.
The UN building, crop dusting and Mount Rushmore scenes are breathtaking both visually and for raw tension. 10 out of 10.

The Giant Buddha’s:

Smart, thoughtful, convoluted documentary (for its many inner stories.)
It never tells the history of the giant Buddha’s instead maker Christian Frei’s treats the Buddha’s as symbols of Afghanistan's devastated cultural heritage. The most surprising and fascinating question in the film is this: why did the world care so much about these statues but not to the living people in Afghanistan?

Last weekend movies

1) Trudell: Independent Lens(8/10)

I had never heard of Trudell before this film.
The documentary is an extraordinary look back on the life of John Trudell and the struggles of his life that he has taken on as a Native American activist, poet, musician, actor, lecturer etc. Basically most of the this documentary content came from different smaller documentaries, TV interviews and old pictures. If you never heard of Trudell, then documentary offers a good overview about a special man. I need to listen his music now.

2) Killer of sheep(10/10)

A hidden gem from 70’s movies. Basically you will not see any big plot & surprises & whole movie centered on Stan, who works at a local meat factory, and his wife and children. The scenes of daily life are pure, original and simple. {whether children throwing rocks at each other, trains, climbing on houses, the innocence of a young girl singing to doll, spending a day in dog mask etc.)
Simply a brilliant movie. DVD comes with three additional short movies by Burnett’s.

3) Phone Booth: (7.5/10)

This movie about a New York publicist played by Colin Farrell's, who is using the last phone booth in Manhattan when he's pinned down by a sniper. You will see so many plot holes and yet still hold viewer interest till the end & the ending was boring. Colin performance was good. Another good aspect of this movie was it takes place around a single phone booth except first 15 minutes.

Few worst movies from 2007

At this moment, following are the top worst movies for year 2007.
Still I have to watch many 2007 movies.

1) Spider man-3

Remember all the action & thrills & comedy in the first two parts.
(Not only Spider man, I don’t like Pirates 3, Shrek 3 & Ocean's 13 too.
I was so surprise that these movies are finding a place in top 10 movies of 2007.)

2) The Brothers Solomon
Comedy? Plan stupid & horrible

3) Catch and Release
In one word "terrible"

My last movies of 2007

1) The Black Dahlia
Solid premise for good murder mystery however it was long and unengaging & poor character development spoiled the show. {I will write my take later.}

2) Short films: The 2006 Academy Award Nominated Shorts

by Magnolia

Ended year 2007 with above short movies DVD.

A breaf list of short movies were

1) WEST BANK STORY (Oscar winner)
With West Bank as a background, this short film is a musical comedy set in the fast-paced, fast-food world of competing falafel stands. Perfect satire on the West bank tragedies. Everything balanced correctly i.e. action, music, funny yet effective positive story.

2) HELMER & SON
A son is called to the nursing home, where his father has recently been admitted, who has locked himself inside his closet. Conversion alone shocking & done very well. My second favorite in the list.

3) BINTA AND THE GREAT IDEA
With poor African nation as a background, this short film tracks the story of a girl, Binta, a 7-year-old girl, sets out to change the life of her young cousin; she was not allowed to go to school by her stupid father. Story was convoluted but Background music alone worth the watch.

4) ONE TOO MANY
When his wife leaves him, Joaquin and his young son turn to her mother for help with the cooking and cleaning. Very good one.

5) THE SAVIOUR

A door to door evangelist has an affair with a married housewife. Movie ending was very funny.

The rest of the shorts on the DVD were excellent and worth viewing.
A must for short films lovers. Completely satisfied with shorts collections.

Living in Oblivion Movie Review

Starring: Steve Buscemi, Catherine Keener

Directed by: Tom DiCillo

---Spoilers included-------

This is one of the funniest films I have ever seen for a while.
Nick Reve, played by Steve Buscemi, is a low budget independent film director. Film opens with two dream sequences and both convey the same message i.e. many things can go wrong on shoot. After a restless night of dreaming of various problems that will plague him, he wakes up to go to the set. With a relatively easy shot due for the day, we will see how much can go wrong. Script was well written, well-acted, funny and very smart. The acting in this movie is superb, especially by Steve Buscemi and Catherine Keener. A must movie for independent movie lovers, especially if you can relate to film making, acting or directing. Director did awesome job. I need to watch more Tom movies.

Seom aka The Isle Movie Review

Starring: Jung Suh
Directed by: Kim Ki Duk

---Spoilers included-------

“The Isle", is a another good film by Kim Ki Duk, tells the story of mysterious young woman, played by Jung Suh, who operates a small boat & fishing huts on a vast lake from her old cabin providing transportation, delivery services, food and even sex for the men who rent the huts. As the plot unfolds we will see peculiar attraction developed between this young woman and a calm suicidal guy, played by Yoosuk Kim, who watches each across the misty waters & their love & lust & envy & anger etc. This beautiful cinematographed movie pace was very slow and you will see minimal dialogs & virtually no background music & top notch acting by Jung. However this movie is not for everyone in particular if you can not see explicit animal torture, scenes of self-mutilation. {warning: There are some really unwatchable scenes involving fishing hooks, very painful to watch & sit through.} The film explores a different depth of loneliness & mostly symbolic. A must movie for Kim Ki Duk fans & for art house fans.

Last weekend movies

Living in Oblivion(9/10)
A satiric & realistic look at independent film making. it’s well-done, well-acted, funny and very smart. As usual, Steve Buscemi (Mr. Pink) was wonderful.

First blood(2ed time)(8/10)

About a troubled Vietnam Special Forces commando gets plenty even with small town Americans for not appreciating his service to his country?

10 Questions for the Dalai Lama (7.5/10)
Good documentary about spiritual leader Dalai Lama & disappearing country & a culture.

Super Size Me (2004) (5/10)
Entertaining yet one of the ridiculous documentary movies I have seen in a while.

New additions to my DVD collection ( Classic Comedies Collection - Ghostbusters/Stripes/Groundhog Day )

Purchased Classic Comedies Collection - Ghostbusters/Stripes/Groundhog Day from deep discount for around $7.

Description:
GHOSTBUSTERS: When Dr. Peter Venkman (Bill Murrary) and his Columbia University colleagues (Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson) are kicked out of their prestigious academic posts, they start a private practice as professional ghost-catchers. etc. etc.

STRIPES: When John Winger (Bill Murray) loses his girlfriend, his job, and his apartment, he and his best friend (Harold Ramis) decide to join the Army.

GROUNDHOG DAY: Once again, for the fifth year in a row, TV weatherman Phil Connors (Bill Murray) is forced to cover the Groundhog Day ceremonies in Punxsatawney, Pennsylvania, an assignment he truly despises.

A must collection for Bill Murray fan.

Take The Money And Run (1969) Movie Review

Starring: Woody Allen, Janet Margolin

Directed by: Woody Allen

---Spoilers included-------

This film is presented as a documentary on the life of an incompetent, petty criminal called Virgil Starkwell but serves as a perfect vehicle for a selection of verbal gags, one-liners.
After a troublesome childhood, Virgil turns to robbing stores, banks as a means of earning an income, but his sheer ineptitude sees him sent to prison on various occasions. The bars of his jail cell, however, are never enough to contain Virgil's enthusiasm for breaking the law, and he conceives numerous daring strategies for escape (some prove successful, while others don't). Very funny but it seems somewhat incomplete & however we detect young Woody Allen slowly perfecting his craft. Following are very good scenes brings lot of laughs.

- The sight of Virgil playing cello in a marching band and his cello flying out a second-story window of his house.

- One attempt when Virgil discovers that the stolen pistol he uses in a holdup is actually a cigarette lighter. {So funny that he runs toward a dead end.}

- The failed heist in a pet store where he is chased by a gorilla. {Scene was very brief & very funny. We will see in desperation, young Virgil do anything for money. Setup for the scene is great.}

- First Virgil's failed escape attempt, when his self-made soap gun melts in a sudden rain storm.

- Another failed bank robbery attempt in the most-often quoted scene, when he hands over his scrawled note to tellers, but mis-spells his holdup note: Please put $50,000 into this bag and abt natural, because I am pointing a gub at you. {This scene alone worth the money.}

- His expressions in the prison when find a bra in the laundry

- The scene where robs & was arrested by his classmate, cop. (Simply brilliant.)

First Blood (1982) Brief movie review

Starring: Sylvester Stallone
Directed by: Ted Kotcheff, Conrad Palmisano

Few days back, I watched forth coming Rambo installment trailer. Felt like I need to watch the first part. When I was teenager, this movie was huge huge hit & I liked it a lot for its action. Brought the DVD from the library& watched it again. In one line, it is about a troubled Vietnam Special Forces commando gets plenty even with small town Americans, idiots?, for not appreciating his service to his country? I was shocked, surprised, to find that it was not an all out action movie but rather a drama & good commentary on the effects of Vietnam War with good dose of action. Like Rocky movie, subsequent sequels turned Rambo in to action machine but still I feel, Rambo 1st part was a classic with soul in it.

New additions to my DVD collection (Sony Pictures Classics 10th Anniversary Pack #2)

Purchased Sony Pictures Classics 10th Anniversary Pack #2
Description: This 4-DVD box set celebrates the first ten years of Sony Pictures Classics with four of their most successful films. Included in the box are four foreign language favorites: CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON (Special Edition DVD), ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER, RUN LOLA RUN, and INDOCHINE. See individual titles for details.

Most of the retailers like Amazon, best buy were selling at 60+ where as deep discount selling this DVD set for less than $10. I already watched Run Lola Run & Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. There are good movies for $10.

My favorite classics

1. Whenever find time, I always prefers old movies. I love the following classic.
   {Disappointed with few classic too like Bringing Up Baby etc. I will update that list later.}
   
   1) To have and Have not by Howard Hawks
   2) Anatomy of a Murder by Otto Preminger
   3) North by Northwest by Alfred Hitchcock
   4) Singing in the Rain by Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly
   5) City Lights by Charles Chaplin
   6) Citizen Kane by Orson Welles
   7) The Grapes of Wrath by John Ford
   8) To Kill a Mockingbird by Robert Mulligan
   9) Open city by Roberto Rossellini
   10) Only Angels Have Wings by Howard Hawks

Eastern Promises Movie Review

Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Naomi Watts, Vincent Cassel
Directed by: David Cronenberg
---Spoilers included-------


With London as a backdrop, this is another dark violent mafia thriller. Movie opens with two violent actions that seem unconnected; a bloody murder of a Russian mobster and a young pregnant woman collapsing in blood in a drugstore. Later the young women die while delivering the baby and the midwife who helped to deliver the baby in time by Anna, played by Naomi Watts. A diary was found in her possession which contains information of what the young women experiences after moving to London in her short lived life. Since the diary is written in Russian, she tries to have it translated in order to find this young girls family. She finds a business card for a restaurant inside the diary, which leads her to a restaurant run by Semyon , played by Armin Mueller-Stahl. Semyon has a vile son named Kirill, played by Vincent Cassel, and a violent but loyal driver and bodyguard, Nikolai, played by Viggo Mortensen. As plot unfolds the diary connects to underground of Russians who have immigrated to London & links to other killings and surprisingly the movie ends very fast. The story is so engaging and interesting; you just can't wait to see what will happen next & David Cronenberg direction was great & script was flawless. The violence is very realistic. In particle the bathhouse fight scene & throat slashing scenes. Naomi Watts is also watchable as a brave, sad mid wife seeking the truth. Viggo Mortensen performance was stunning & commendable & Oscar worthy. With good production value, beautiful cinematography and fantastic back ground score I left the movie theater with complete satisfaction. May be one DVD releases, either I will buy or rent it for second viewing.

My Top 10 Movies of 2007

Still I have to watch so many movies.
Following are current list. I will update this list after three months.
{need to watch few Hollywood & foreign movies. }

Killer of sheep {A fantastic film & classic. Watched it during this years re-release.)
Lives of others {Stunning film from debut director. No doubt it was an Oscar winner.)
3:10 to Yuma (A complicated cowboy flick & I liked it.)
The Bourne Ultimatum (Little week compared to first two installments but a great spy/action/thriller.)
Eastern Promises (A realistic plot with well balanced characters & everything else great in this thriller.)
No Country for Old Men (Simply amazing.)
Grind house {my first Grind house experience & unique & loved it}
Zodiac {Solid David Fincher movie.}
Waitress {enjoyed it & well written. Only chick flick in my list.}
American Gangster (well written & nicely told & solid action from lead cast.}

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin Movie Review

Starring: Gordon Liu
Directed by: Lau Kar Leung

---Spoilers included-------

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin is a martial arts classic. Like many earlier Kung fu movies, this movie story, theme, also centered on the Revenge (justice or self defense or do the right thing) San Te , played by Gordon Liu, witnesses the death of his master & friends & his family members and vows to learn kung fu so that he can fight the oppressors in his town. Fleeing the bad guys, he heads for Shaolin temple. Most of the movie shows Liu training endlessly at the temple. Liu was shown in at least 10+ of the chambers and half of the movie is spent in the training only. I love all the chambers and the training. No matter how difficult the obstacle, Liu tries and tries again during the training. Years pass as he works his way through the “chambers,” improving his concentration, strength, and reflexes. After what seems like a movie unto itself, he is finally pronounced a master, and invited to teach at any of the 35 chambers. Instead of choosing one, he proposes to create the 36th chamber, which will take the knowledge of Shaolin out of the temple and teach it to the people, so that they can learn to fight for themselves, too. His proposal was rejected & he was out of Shaolin temple for his disagreement. He comes back to his native place, in final scenes and in the fights we will see Liu confronting the oppressors. There are many fight scenes, and each one demonstrates a skill that he learned while in school. The best thing about this film was Liu, this guy was amazing, great charisma and great screen presence. Whether it fights or learning skill, his eyes are so intense. The fight scenes are competently choreographed & Liu and his co-stars are good, and the camera holds on them long enough that you can tell they aren’t cheating with camera tricks. With great production value, beautiful cinematography, fantastic acting makes this movie one of the best in its genre. Even if you’re not a huge fan of kung fu movies, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin is an excellent & fine of the genre. Just give a try & it will not disappoint. DVD comes with rich set of extras which include interviews with Gordon Liu, few film scholars etc.

Last weekend movies

Eastern Promises (2007){8.5/10}
A realistic plot with well balanced characters with lots of violence. At end a dark satisfying thriller. Viggo Mortensen, Naomi Watts performances were commendable.
I will write my review later.

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin{1978}{9.5/10}

I love all the chambers and the training. The best thing about this film was Gordon Liu, this guy was amazing. No matter how difficult the obstacle, Liu tries and tries again.

New additions to my DVD collection

Purchased Rome - The Complete First Two Seasons (2005) for $60.
Just now I checked the Amazon site. Price was increased up to $190. It was on my watch list for a while.

To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) Brief Movie Review

Starring: Gregory Peck

Directed by: Robert Mulligan

To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) was a critically-acclaimed, classic film. I've never read the book & I watched this movie nearly 10 years back & finally got a chance to watch it again.
In brief it is story about a white lawyer, Atticus Finch played by Gregory Peck, agree to defend a poor black man against a rape charge e in 30’s Alabama. Big thanks to Finch kids who are major of plot but also did an excellent job of acting. The court room scenes are dramatic, moving and done right. It's definitely one of the best film of 1962 and one of the top ten films of the '60s. I am catching with most of 60's movies now days.

Memorable scenes:
All court room scenes, in particular
Tom: Yes, sir. I felt right sorry for her. She seemed...
Gilmer: You felt sorry for her? A white woman? You felt sorry for her?

When Finch tells his daughter
“You never know someone until you step inside their skin and walk around for a while.."

Scoop (2006) Movie Review

Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Hugh Jackman and Woody Allen
Directed by: Woody Allen

----Spoilers included-------

Another disappointment from great director Woody Allen after solid Match Point movie.
Coming to the story, a recently deceased well-known reporter, Ian McShane, was given an amazing scoop about a serial killer from another dead person. Then he chooses to appear in the middle of a red magic box to a former dental hygienist turned college journalist Sandra, played by Scarlett Johansson, and the magic act by Splendini’s, played by Woody Allen. One of the ridiculous premise for crime/murder mystery story. Result was a disappointment because of poor script. Unlike his earlier movie, Woody Allen was all over the place, as a A magician & dad & crime investigator, in this movie providing all the laughs & his one-liners dialogs were good in few scenes. Hugh Jackman & Scarlett Johansson were Ok but nothing great to offer. If you are a hard core fan of Woody then you can watch once. To be on safe side, watch without expectations.

Jing wu men (1972) aka Fist of Fury Movie Review

Starring: Bruce Lee

Directed by: Raymond Chow

----Spoilers included-------

Recently purchased Bruce Lee ultimate DVD set collection. This review is based on the English version of JING WU MEN aka Fist of Fury. I am sure I watched Big Boss & Enter the Dragon while I was studying but I am not sure about this movie.

Before going in to the story, a bit history. In the early 19th and 20th century, China was a weak nation with a string of inept leaders. As a result, greedy nations of Europe began forcing their way into the country. Japan also got involved in this colonialism and the Japanese dominating and taking advantage of the Chinese is the setting for the film. It was set in the early 20th century and the film plays up the natural hatred of the Japanese among the Chinese. Even I finding the same today.

Coming to the story, in the opening scene we will come to know that Brice Lee master (a great fighter) was died. As plot unfolds, we will come to know that he was poisoned by a rival master & uncovers a world of crime and prejudice. Plot was very simple like other Bruce Lee movies. {Revenge is common theme across all the Bruce Lee movie scripts} What makes a big difference is Bruce himself. His action irritate's the few scenes,who care about his action, Lee's energetic fight scenes thrills the audience. The scene where Lee destroys the sign in front of Japanese consulate saying Dogs and Chinese people from entering in to the consulate was a classic. The final fight scene with Russian strongman was pretty intense and fun to watch. A must for any Bruce Lee fan and for every martial arts buff. {8/10}

A History of Violence (2005) Movie Review

Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello
Directed by: David Cronenberg

----Spoilers included-------
The story is quite simple. Tom Stall, played by Viggo Mortensen, lives in a small town and is the ideal husband & dad. Tom kills two men who are trying rob his diner one night. The publicity that surrounds this event brings back gangsters who claim that he is a violent criminal running away from his past. Initially Ton denies his past & the allegations but it eventually becomes clear that Tom is actually a former mafioso named Joey Cusack, who has been tracked down by his brother, with whom he has unfinished business. Rest of the story revolves around his unfinished business with his brother and coming back to family. script got following minor problems. The slow reveal of story is quite unsettling & graphic violence & some poor sex scenes awkward and without a real point or symbolism. However Maria Bello gives the performance of her career as Tom's wife & Viggo performance also solid. In short it is powerful & solid David Cronenberg movie and well made from a technical point of view. Strictly not for kid or teens.

Last weekend movies

A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE (8/10) is a disturbing and intense drama that sheds light on several aspects of violence in American society & its impact on ordinary people lives. Another solid film by David Cronenberg. Not for kid or teens.

Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961){9/10} Audrey Hepburn's finest romantic/comedy film. Director fully known’s that this is Hepburn film and he was never away from her for a long.

Fist of Fury {8/10}: Bruce Lee’s intense & non-stop action movie right from the beginning.
Must for action movie lovers. It’s truly amazing to see Lee fight so fast & cinematography really captureed very good Acton scenes.

Borat (6/10): Overrated & extreme & silly & plane dumb. However there are few scenes bring good laughs.

My most anticipated 2008 movies

Funny Games U.S. by Michael Haneke
The Happening by M. Night Shyamalan
Revolutionary Road by Sam Mendes
Synecdoche, New York by Charlie Kaufman
Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull by Steven Spielberg
The Dark Knight by Christopher Nolan
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by David Fincher
The Lovely Bones by Peter Jackson
The Fighter by Darren Aronofsky
Burn After Reading by Coen brothers
Valkyrie by Bryan Singer
+
Few guilty pleasures like latest Rambo, newer bond movie + mummy 3 etc.

Snakes on a Plane Movie Review

Starring: Samuel L. Jackson
Directed by: David Richard Ellis

----Spoilers included-------

This is one of the rediculous movies i have seen in a while. Movie starts with Sean Jones, Played by Nathan Phillips, is a typical surfer whose life is in danger when he witnesses a brutal murder by legendary mob boss Eddie Kim, played by Byron Lawson. FBI Agent Neville Flynn, played by Samuel L. Jackson, was sent to escort Sean to LA so that he can testify in the court case and put Eddie behind bars. But, Eddie has his own plans. His team put a crate of the world's most poisonous snakes on board the plane and sets a timer that will release the snakes at a certain altitude. Soon, all hell breaks loose as the poisonous reptiles begin to run rampant and the innocent flyers are the entire target. The plot for this movie is shockingly simple & completely illogical except at the opening credits, areal shot was very good. There is zero attempt to make anything make sense, including script, things happen without explanation & as usual you will see Samuel L. Jackson brand mark dialogs(includes his famous line "I am tired of these motherf***ing snakes on this motherf***king plane!" )etc. There is no scope to act, everyone have to go with the flow of events. Not for art movie lovers or intellectuals. Looking for fun ride, this movie fits the bill. Pure 70’s B grade action thriller movie with latest technology.

The Bourne Ultimatum Movie Review

Starring: Matt Damon
Director: Paul Greengrass

----Spoilers included-------

If you’re thinking of going to see this film then first watch parts 1 & 2 before. Then only you can understand this movie better. I loved the first two Bourne movies and thought they got better as the stories carried on. In this, the third film of the Bourne Trilogy, you will find Jason brought out of hiding by Guardian reporter, Simon Ross, played by Paddy Considine, who is trying to unveil the CIA based 'Operation Blackbriar'; the program which effectively trained Bourne to become the proficient killing machine. Seeing the reporter as his last chance of finding out his true identity, Jason sets out in pursuit, only to find himself embroiled in a constant battle with 'Blackbriar” gang. From London, to Morocco, to New York; the Cat and mouse game of assassinations, lies and deceit provides a thrilling and tense battle. This movie got ton’s of action (right from the begin to end but it lacks realism like part 1 & 2) A case of Hollywood saying Americans rule the world and can do what we like anywhere on this planet? While CIA looking for him, Bourne happily moves around the world, enter’s into CIA building etc. Also title was not apt compared to first two movies. They carried over book name to film. Though Bourne Ultimatum script got some issues, it has its positive points too. The music was major plus point to keep suspense and interest. (Annoying at few scenes) The long scene in London Waterloo station where Bourne tries to make a contact with a reporter is a masterful work. Matt Damon was very energetic in his role & he was perfect fit for the role& did great job. Paul Greengrass's direction was solid like part two and his use of fast cuts and an unsteady camera is major plus for this kind of fast action packed thriller. All three movies make a very exiting trilogy & its ending is wide open. We can expect more movies.

Wife vs Secretary (1936) movie review

Starring: Clark Gable, Jean Harlow, Myrna Loy


Directed by: Clarence Brown

----Spoilers included-------

Brief story, Van, played by Clark Gable, a president of a rich publishing empire, who is in love with his wife Linda, played by Myrna Lloyd. Gable has a beautiful secretary, played by Jean Harlow, who becomes an indispensable part of his company. Initially everything looks fine for Linda even though Van and Harlow working late at night.
However when her mother in law makes a careless comment & later by her friend comments, non-jealous Linda suspicious of her husband’s actions & later subsequent events put that trust into doubt. Rest of the story revolves what happened to their lives.
Overall this is nice little entertaining movie with some great acting by top-notch cast and wonderful writing & nice insights into human nature.

Last weekend movies

The Maltese Falcon{1941}(9) Wonderful detective move with good plot twists & great characters and very good dialogs engages the viewer interest till the end.

Latest movie watched

SCOOP (6/10): A lightweight, predictable, forgettable Woody's movie.

Latest DVD buys

1. The Billy Wilder DVD Collection
The Apartment
Avanti
The Fortune Cookie
Irma la Douce
Kiss Me Stupid
One Two Three
The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes
Some Like It Hot
Witness for the Prosecution




II) The Ingmar Bergman Special Edition DVD Collection
Persona
Shame
Hour of the Wolf
The Passion of Anna
The Serpent's Egg

Both for $83.97 from deep discount DVDs.

Latest movie watched

Wife vs. Secretary (1936)

Nice movie which was entertaining with some great acting and writing & nice insights into human nature

Derailed (2005) Movie Review

Starring: Clive Owen, Jennifer Aniston
Directed by:Mikael Hafstrom

----Spoilers included-------

Movie begins with quick introduction of Charles family, played by Clive Owen, who was a loving father, devoted husband and over-worked & stressed businessman. One fine day, suddenly, when he gets on the train he realizes that he doesn't have money for a ticket and then walks in the mysterious Lucinda, played by Jennifer Anniston, character who pays for his ticket. Days later, the two, having had lunch, dinner, gone to a bar, decides to have an affair, goes to a hotel & they were attacked & later blackmail & finally we will we will come to know that everything was preplanned. Since I watched so many other Derailed movies, this movie was not effective. Only good thing is Clive Owen's good performance and I felt Jennifer Aniston was a miss fit for the role. If you are a fan of Clive Owen, then you can watch it once or if you never watched earlier Derailed movies, then it is Ok watch else you can ignore this movie.

Latest DVD buys

1) The Bruce Lee Ultimate Collection

>>>
This collection of titles featuring the master of martial arts, Bruce Lee, includes THE BIG BOSS,
FIST OF FURY,
WAY OF THE DRAGON,
GAME OF DEATH, and
GAME OF DEATH II.
>>
I watched THE BIG BOSS, FIST OF FURY (10 years back.)





2) The Sidney Poitier DVD Collection
Actor/Actress: Sidney Poitier

Watched & enjoyed few other movies by Sidney Poitier
>>>
This special DVD collection contains five films starring one of Hollywood's most elegant actors, Sidney Poitier.
Includes:
FOR LOVE OF IVY,
IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT,
LILIES OF THE FIELD,
THE ORGANIZATION, and
THEY CALL ME MISTER TIBBS!.
>>>>

Deep discount was running a promotion ( i.e. buy1 get 1 free)
Use "BOGOFOXMGM" at the checkout time to get the other set free.
Both sets for $34.97

3:10 to Yuma (2007) movie review

Starring: Russell Crowe, Christian Bale, Peter Fonda, Gretchen Mol
Directed by James Mangold

----Spoilers included-------

I am not a huge fan of Westerns &I have never seen the original version of this film. So no comparison w.r.t. old one.
Coming to movie, the story is about two exactly opposite men, the first of whom is Dan Evans, played by Christian Bale, a handicapped former whose ranch is being strangled by local business men. The second one is an arrogant ruthless outlaw leader Ben Wade, played by Russell Crowe. Movie begins with Wade leading an attack on a heavily armed stagecoach & killing almost all of them & robbing the money & Evan watches the whole thing. Very soon reckless Wade is easily captured & a plan is to move him to a nearby railroad town and send him to Yuma against Wade's gang. Evans offers his help to move Wade to the nearby railroad town for much need cash. Rest of the movie revolves around whether wade was sent to Yuma or not. Solid premise for complex cowboy movie & great performance by Christian Bale and Russell Crowe & good dialogs, score and excellent job by cinematographer & costume designer. Ending was pretty complex & satisfactory. I have couple questions on ending theories. Whatever it is solid picture with “Do the right thing” message. I am hoping that this movie will get couple of Oscar nominations.

Enfant, L' (The Child) Movie Review

Starring: Jeremie Renier, Deborah Francois
Directed by: Luc Dardenne, Jean-Pierre Dardenne
----Spoilers included-------

Movie starts with a young mother Sonia, played by Déborah François, with a new-born baby searching on the streets for her boy friend Bruno, played by Jérémie Renier, the father of her child. As plot thickens, we will see the day to day life of Brunos, a low-level thief, panhandler, and slacker who refuse to work & believe in steeling & begging but not working & support his girlfriend by illegal means. Right from the first meeting, Bruno, never shows any kind of interest in the baby or in the fatherhood. In a confused & without any conscience, he sells the baby in the black market. After knowing that Sonia reacts with shock & violently & rejects him completely. Bruno bring the baby back to Sonia but he losses many things & we will see his slow transformation. It is kind of movie where it is highly impossible for the audience to accept & love the characters. Both Bruno & Sonia were energetic & did amazing job & acting was very natural. Movie was very realistic & thoughtful & heavy without any soundtrack and interesting cinematography. This is my first Dardenne Brothers film and I enjoyed it. I missed their earlier movie “Rosetta”. I simply returned the DVD to netflix after keeping four weeks because of busy schedules. Now again I will put it back in to my queue. The DVD comes with very good & in-depth interview with movie directors& their thoughts on movie & how this movie idea was born etc. Must for serious moviegoers.

Last weekend movies

Enfant, L' (The child) {8.5/10} A complex & realistic movie about an incredibly irresponsible young father & confused young mother. Only for serious film lovers.

3:10 to Yuma {8/10} A complicated cowboy flick & intellectually acceptable & but no sticking power.

Derailed (2005) {7/10} Same old good basic premise & Ok movie & good performance by Clive Owen's.

Watched few more movies. I will update this post later.

Black Friday online shopping so far

So far brought the following from circuit city.
Missed Seagate 500GB external drive from CC.

1) SanDisk 2GB SD Card
2) Kingston 2GB DataTraveler
3) Targus Portable DVD Player Carrying Case

4) Dynex - 9" 16:9 Widescreen Portable DVD Player from Best Buy online
Few DVD's like Syriana & Just friends etc.

Black Friday plans

Last five years I used to do lots of shopping at Best Buy & Circuit City & few other stores. Always used to purchase lot of movie DVDs. This time, I decided not go for it. Few days back I got e-mail from Amazon saying they are offering hourly deals on Black Friday. May be I will stick to computer & I will do all the shopping online. If you don’t know the link for the Amazon black Friday, click the following link.

Black Friday 2007 at Amazon.com

Last weekend movies

Detour (1945) {9.5/10} A clever, cheap film noir is filled with suspense, horror, tension, sense of being caught up in a nightmare etc.

The Rules of the Game (1939) {9.5/10} Another Masterpiece movie.

Snakes on Plane. (2006) (2ed time) {7/10} Ordinary thriller with occasional fun movements & Jackson delivers his brand mark famous line again. (Watched it to give company.)

Clean (2004) movie review

Starring: Maggie Cheung, Nick Nolte
Directed by: Olivier Assayas
Movie opens with Emily, played by Maggie Cheung, breakup fight with her rock star husband & later drug overdose & death of her husband & she goes to jail for drug possession & later her attempts to unite with her son & her attempts to over come her drug addition (she never cared about the son before her husband’s death.) Movie pace was slow & story changes many places i.e. from Canada, Paris, London to San Francisco but over all very well directed & Cheung's convincing performance as a drug addict draw viewers complete attention. Very realistic melodrama with message of people do change & emphasis on unity. If you looking for good drama, this movie fits your bill.

Worst lines from movies

• I watched so many good classic to awful movies. Following are few worst movie lines from those.
  
  1) Gene Hackman says "I need food...I have to eat" Enemy of state
  2) 'I'm....so.........cold.' Pearl Harbor
  3) "Go spidey go!" Spider man
  4) We've been waiting for an hour He's peed three times ...Mr Pink from Fargo
  5) "You did this to become immortal...why?"
  "To live forever!" -House of the Dead
  6) "This is bad." –Titanic
  7) "Today we celebrate our Independence Day." - President Bill Pullman ID
  8) ARE YOU A MEXICAN OR A MEXICAN'T? Once Upon a Time in Mexico
  9) Kill them all, let God sort them out Doom
  10) "What killed the dinosaurs?... The ice age!!" Batman and Robin.
  

The Weather Man (2005) movie review

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Hope Davis, Michael Caine
Directed by: Gore Verbinski

This movie about a normal man David Spritz, played by Nicolas Cage, is a Chicago weather man whose marriage has failed & his wife hates him, whose children are troubled and unhappy, whose father is disappointed in him, and whose self-esteem lies in ruins. In an effort to be a good father he tries to bond with his daughter, but ends up making things worse. Same case with his wife. Movie pacing was slow and builds up to nothing & ends in a downbeat note. The Weatherman isn't a film for everyone. i.e. if you like depressing & downbeat movies, then you may like this one.

Few dialogs:

Easy doesn't enter into grown-up life.

I remember once imagining what my life would be like, what I'd be like. I pictured having all these qualities, strong positive qualities that people could pick up on from across the room. But as time passed, few ever became any qualities that I actually had. And all the possibilities I faced and the sorts of people I could be, all of them got reduced every year to fewer and fewer. Until finally they got reduced to one, to who I am. And that's who I am, the weather man.

Last weekend movies

The Weather Man (2005) : {8/10} A serious, easy to sit through & downbeat movie.

Clean (2004) : {7/10} A subtle, realistic portrayal of a drug addicted, rock star widow who tries to change her life to unite with her kid. Very good performance by Maggie Cheung.

The Break-up (2006) : {7/10} It was funny in some scenes but overall more serious downbeat movie. {Marketed as comedy? Dead wrong.}

Swimming Pool (2003) movie review

Starring: Charlotte Rampling, Ludivine Sagnier,

Directed by: Francois Ozon

It is a blind pick from library. Movie start with a tired successful crime fiction British writer, Charlotte Rampling as Sarah Morton , going off to sunny France , it is an her close publisher's offer, to try and work on the new novel. However after reaching there, she gets a surprise by an insolent, sexually wild young girl, Julie, show up unannounced (the daughter of her publisher) and the two of them try to share the same space while the Sarah tries to work on her new novel. Movie has all great premises however for various reasons, it will not engage you. One big reason is it movie runs with very slow pace. A surprise ending causes you to reexamine, rewind parts of movie scenes. My big concern is she was famous a writer & at the end she comes with a her best plot?? Pretty average erotic thriller with good ending.

The Odd Couple (1968) movie review

Starring: Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau

Directed by: Gene Saks

Movie opens with Jack Lemmon, plays as Felix Ungar, is trying to kill himself after his recent split from his wife. Walter Matthau, plays Oscar, his friend & long time poker pal, fun loving slob, an unreliable sports-reporter who lives in divorce from his ex-wife in a bachelor apartment. He offers his distressed friend Felix, an ultra neat guy, a new home in his apartment. Rest of the movie revolves around how two such contrary characters can't share eight room apartment. The premise becomes little tiresome with little room to grow. As far as living together is concerned, it is doomed right from the start. However coming to Comedy, this movie really delivers & totally hilarious. The chemistry between Lemmon and Matthau is simply great. You will see lot’s of great scenes when both men invite their two female neighbors for supper, Flex call to Oscar about dinner plans, asking Oscar about 7’c clock time etc.
If you've never seen this movie you owe it to yourself. So rent it as soon as possible.

Last weekend movies

The odd couple (1968): [9/10] Superb comedy. Totally hilarious.

Closer (2004): [7/10] {Yet another movie about love, jealousy and betrayal. This movie is not for everyone. Some of the performances were good but you may not like the characters.)

Swimming pool(2003): [7/10] Another erotic thriller with open ending. Ending left to viewer imagination.

When Harry Met Sally (1989) movie review

I watched "When Harry Met Sally..." nearly a decade back. Last weekend, I got a chance to watch it again. Just picked the DVD from library. Brief plot is about the friendship between a man and a woman. As story kicks in, we will see Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) move from their college years into their early thirties. They are good friends; however, the question is whether or not a man and woman can be friends. As story goes on both fall in love and the two are often left in the dust looking at each other. Perfect comedy timing & good chemistry between Billy and Meg & fine dialogs keeps viewer attention till the end. Not in-depth but movie offers cute insights in to men and women relationships. Very enjoyable romantic comedy and well made.

Few good one liner dialogs

When a woman is not attractive, you always say she has a great personality.

A man can never be friends with a woman whom he finds attractive. The sex part always gets on the way.

The Painted Veil (2006) movie review

Starring & produced by : Naomi Watts, Edward Norton
Directed by: John Curran

The Painted Veil is directed by John Curran (We Don't Live Here Anymore) based on W. Somerset Maugham's novel. This is simply a great love story set in China during its colonial period with a cholera epidemic as a backdrop. Brief plot is a Shanghai based English Doctor Walter (Norton), who marries a lovely Kitty (Watts) in the 1920s, before shortly returning to Shanghai. ( it is kind of arranged marriage. i.e. they both don’t each other until the marriage.) During this time Watts, develops an affair with another person. After knowing this Walter volunteers to a remote village suffering from a severe Cholera epidemic. In fact he threaten Kitty either take divorce on the grounds of adultery or come with him. With no other options, Kitty go to remote village. Rest of the movie revolves around how these two disappointed married individuals’ couple comes together under dangerous environment. Film ends with upbeat note but leaves bitter sadness behind. The whole atmosphere of the film is very haunting and realistic. Beautiful locations and brilliant cinematography, amazing score, fantastic character development, and outstanding acting. The Painted Veil is easily one of the top ten movies for year 2006. May be it is time to update my top ten 2006 list?

Last weekend movies

The painted veil (8.5/10) {another interesting love story of a disconnected married couple.}

When Harry Met Sally... (8/10) {after 10 years second time I watched this movie.
One of the best romantic comedies ever made.}
Snakes on a Plane(7/10) {start fine but falls a part. Another formula based Hollywood thriller}

Mission Impossible 3 {7/10} {so so movie after one & two. Entertains bit & pieces but over all simple action story. }

I will write my review(‘s) later this week.

My Top Ten movies of 2005

I am working on compiling my top 10 movies for year 2005.
Still I have to watch few important foreign movies.
Right now following are top lists

1) Crash
2) Capote
3) Cinderella Man
4) Brokeback Mountain
5) A history of violence
6) Broken flowers
7) V for Vendetta
8) Munich
9) Batman Begins
10) King Kong

Honorable Mentions:

Walk the Line

Brick Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

Grizzly Man

Hwal aka The Bow by Ki-duk Kim

Lady in the Water (2006) movie review

After lot of warnings, low meter ratings, I watched Lady in the Water few days back. I don't understand why this movie got such hostility from all. I see problems in the movie that people could object to, but people are calling this the worst movie in years is completely out of proportion. Brief plot is, an apartment complex filled with eccentric people, each with a slight oddity that sets them apart from the rest of the world. Cleveland Heep (Giamatti) is the apartment superintendent. One day Heep discovers a woman named Story swimming in the complex's swimming pool after 10P.M. & Cleveland soon learns that she is a "Narf," a Chinese fairytale, who comes from the other world and has a message for humanity. {One problem is since Narf from a Chinese fairytale, people are expecting Chinese surroundings?) As Heep tries to help her & discovers, each person in the apartment complex becomes an important player in this fairy tale that unfolds. While people have claimed the story is slow, I thought it was well paced. The acting was very good in particular Giamatti performance was awesome. James Newton Howard's score for this movie is truly amazing & camera work also great.

Following are few problems with the picture
Shaymalan in the major role {future’s intellectual savior?)
One minute animation at the beginning {too much story?}
Asian girl & mom were annoying {few times}

Despite with above the problems, one can watch this solid movie. If you are Shyamalan fan then it is must. My rating 7/10.

My top Ten 70's movies

Still I am watching many 70’s movies. As of today, following are my top 10 movies from 1970’s.

1. Taxi Driver
2. The Godfather II
3. Annie Hall
4. Killer of sheep
5. A Clockwork Orange
6. Apocalypse Now
7. Chinatown
8. Jaws
9. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
10. Aguirre, the Wrath of God

Few honorable movies

The Elephant Man
Network
Star Wars
Enter the Dragon
Drunken Master
& Rocky

If I find some time, I will add my small reviews for above movie.
I watched most of them on DVD except "Killer of sheep". I watched it on screen during the recent re-release.

My small review of Two for the Money (2005) movie

Movie opens with background narration by Brandon (Matthew McConaughey), a little kid showing lots of interest for sports & in the initial scenes, he gets injured in the collage football game. After his knee injury, he becomes Vegas odds maker & still trying to get in to shape & in to NFL sport. Al Pacino plays Walter, who runs a sports betting hotline & identifies the talent of Brandon & imports him to New York, to work for hotline & show. Brandon’s initial picks were great success (i.e. at some point he beats with 12-0 wins.) As story goes further, we will see Brandon’s & Walter fallout & heart felt ending. Al Pacino's performance is simply marvelous & Matthew McConaughey & Rene Russo also wonderful too. Movie was very engaging in its understanding what gambling is, how it works and how pervasive it is in America. (Matter of fact it is pervasive across the globe) Plot mainly focuses on the lives people involved in it & its consequences. Plot runs little slow at times & but over all it is OK movie. Don’t watch with great expectations & if you are Al Pacino fan, then it is must for his performance & very few Hollywood movies deals with this rare subject of sports betting.

My small review of Sleuth (1972) movie

"Sleuth" proves that a great screenplay & good action is sufficient to make good thriller with minim cost. This entire movie was made in an old mansion & plot consists of only three characters & yet engages the viewer for whole two plus hours.

Cast: Laurence Olivier, Michael Caine
Directed by: Joseph Mankiewicz
Written by: Anthony Shaffer

Brief plot is about a rich detective novelist named Andrew Wyke (Olivier), who invites Milo Tindle (Caine) an owner of a chain of hair salons to his country side home to discuss Milo's affair with Wyke's wife. As they start talking, they quickly earths a robbery scheme which beneficial to the both i.e. jewelry money to Tindle & insurance money to Wyke. Rest of the plot revolve around these two strangeness does not stop with robbery but two men each have personal motives and the twists and turns. The dialogue were terrific & action by both lead cast was very commendable. {However I never felt Mr.Caine character acting as simple working class man.}
Except few minor problem's movie really rocks. Twists & turns are good.
If you have even slight interest towards mind game thrillers, then this film fits in you bill.

Last weekend movies

The Shawshank Redemption
{An innocent man convicted of life in prison but He never gives up the idea of freedom & hope)
{9.5/10}

Sleuth
{An intelligent psychological mind game thriller. I will write my short review later}
{8.5/10}


Two for the Money (2005)
{A little lengthy drama about what gambling is how it works, its pervasive it is in America Matter of fact, and it was pervasive across the globe. This movie focuses gambling around NLF games.)
{7/10}

Rear Window (1954)
Recent Disturbia original. A wheel chaired bound photo grapher starts spying on neighbor across the building & its consequences.
{9/10}

My small review of Double Indemnity (1944) movie

Director: Billy Wilder
Starring: Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck

"Double Indemnity" is one of my favorite Film Noir classic.

Brief plot: A married cunning women, Dietrichson(Barbara Stanwyck), plans to murder her husband for insurance money. Plot looks plain simple however she pulls the insurance guy, Neff (Fred MacMurray), who sold the policy in to her plan. There are some great scenes between Dietrichson and Neff & he explains that working for an insurance company inevitably gives him ideas about scamming the company. They both plans & commits a perfect murder until one of Neff's fellow employees, an insurance investigator, Edward G. Robinson, starts to unravel this seemingly perfect murder. Action by lead cast is quiet perfect for this murder mystery. If you have even slight interest towards classic film noir movies, then this film should be on the top of your list.
My rating 9/10

Favorite scene: The observation deck on the slow running train.
Theme: Greed kills you faster than a bullet.

My small review of The Promise (2006) Movie aka Wu ji

Following combination made me to rent The Promise (2006) DVD.
Also Known as the most expensive Chinese movie & Written and directed by Chen Kaige & Music by Klaus Badelt (PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN) & Cinematography and production design are by Peter Pau and Tom Yip {Academy Award winners for CROUCHING TIGER,}

Coming to brief plot, movie starts with a slave girl picking up bread from dead soldier hands & later she loses the bread in the water. At that moment, a Goddess offers the crying girl a deal - she will lead a pampered life as a celebrated beauty in return of love. (i.e. every man she loves, she will lose.) This is a solid premise for fairy tail. This epic set in China's mythical past & rest of the plot revolves around three very differentbrave men - a powerful Duke, a brave general and a lowly powerful slave fight the beautiful women in the back drop of war. Every frame is visually stunning & amazing battle scenes & decent action are plus points for the movie whereas week script & predictable ending are little negative for this expensive film. Whole movie will not stick to your mind but some parts are simply marvelous & stunning. My rating {7.5/10}

My small review of Clerks II Movie

Before going in to the details, this movie is a must for Clerks 1 fans. Now coming to the plot, movie start out in a bang i.e. fire in convenience store trashes everything. After a year, this movie captures a day’s life of our old friends Randal and Dante, who are in their mid 30s, working for a fast food place Mooby's. As usual Jay and Silent bob are just standing outside, selling same old stuff, listening & dancing to music, just like they used to. However this is the last day for Dante’s life in NJ & plans to leave with his bride. Randal thinks he need's to give some special kind of sendoff party & he plans a donkey show. Plot is good and a series of funny, bizarre and uncalled incidents makes Dante’s have to make chose i.e. his boss and bride. Jokes on What is the Lord of the Rings are about? star wars? Why teenagers can't have sex etc bring's lot of laughs. Often you will feel overdoes of foul language. As I mentioned, if you enjoyed part1 or over dose of foul language, then you will enjoy the second one too. Casts amazing chemistry & very good background scores, abrupt plot shifts & great jokes a brings lot of laughs. My rating 8/10.
Theme of the movie: Time can't change a thing.

Last weekend movies

Coffee and Cigarettes (1986) by Jim Jarmusch {2ed time 8/10}
Funny & yet serious short films in black & white like coffee.

The promise(2005) aka Wu ji by Kaige Chen {7.5/10}
Epic fairy tail story in Chinese way. There are few spectacular scenes & stunning visuals.

Clerks II (2006) (8/10)
A must for Clerks 1 fan. Solid entertainment & looks in to the lives of Randal and Dante after decade.

Sleuth (1972) (8.5/10) very good thriller movie with minimal cast.

My small review of The Apartment Movie

The apartment comes under the category of one of the intelligent, dark drama, comedy, ever created. Brief plot is Jack Lemmon plays an office worker in a big insurance company in New York City, who desires to climb the corporate ladder. He trades his apartment (soul) for favor of promotions & his apartment becomes a love-nest for his married executives. He falls in love with his elevator operator girl & she has affair with his boss. Things get complicated when she attempts suicide in his apartment etc. As I stated before, the characters development was exceptional, little unclear, casts performances (Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine) was awesome. Another specialty of this movie is it was shot three simple sets yet it holds viewers interest until the end.

My small review of Bringing Up Baby Movie

Bringing up Baby is class screwball comedy with extreme absolutely absurd characters cracking faster dialogues & made for depression era audience only? This movie is about a paleontologist (Cary Grant) who is waiting for his new dinosaur bone to be delivered to him. With one million dollar donation to his museum in air, he goes to the golf course on a mission. Just coincidently, he meets this woman (Katharine Hepburn) and everything just seems to go wrong with him. Afterwards Katharine makes the situation such that he needs to travel with her to Connecticut with leopard namely Baby. After reaching, he loses his intercostals clavicle bone to a dog named George & rest of plot revolves around a leopard, a million dollars, a bone, a dog, a bad circus leopard with Cary, Katharine. Many scenes involving Cary, Katharine are hilarious. Grant saying "My future wife has always regarded me as a man of some dignity", "I am not myself today", "I am victim of your unbridled imagination" etc brings very good laugh’s. You will feel very funny half way but once very possible character starts doing the same thing, I felt it was annoying. Definitely a good movie but this is a classic? I don’t agree on this one. I will write more about dialogs & few favorite scenes later. Definitely it is good movie but it never sticks to your memory. May be I need to watch this movie again?

My small review of Memoirs of a Geisha Movie

gei·sha [gey-shuh, gee-]
–noun, plural -sha, -shas. a Japanese woman trained as a professional singer, dancer, and companion for men.

With late 1930’s Japanese setup, brief plot is about a long journey of a nine-year old Japanese girl, Chiyo, who is sold by her desperate father into slavery along with her older sister Satsu, in to world of geishas. As plot progresses we will see her struggle to unite with her sister by escaping from boardinghouse, simple incidents turns her empty life to life with hope and events leading to professional geisha etc. Plot wise really nothing really interests except some understanding about geisha's culture, their life styles. However with good acting & stunning visuals & very good background score, this movie engages you until the end. Again if you like good movies, you may like this one with following big mistakes. Despite good theme, maker made very big mistakes like casting popular Chinese actors for this Japanese movie & characters talks English instead of Japanese. {Japanese dialogs with English subtitles are most appropriate for this kind of movie.} Also like Last Samurai, Japanese cast is more appropriate for this kind of culture context movie. DVD comes with rich set of additional futures, in particular this movie is based on novel by Doug Wright, once she was a first American geisha & her guidance to this movie making & music composition & director Rob Marshall thought's etc.

Dialogs are very good in few scenes, One good scene.

Man: What’s you name?
Girl: No response
Man: Don’t be afraid to looks at me. Someone has been cruel to you or
Perhaps life has been cruel?
Girl: I don’t know
Man: None of us find much kindness in this world as we should
Do you like sweet plum?
Girl: You mean to eat?

Last weekend movies

Memoirs of a Geisha (8/10) {a nine year’s girls journey in to geisha world with great acting & stunning visuals & very good background score. Big mistake is usage of English language & using popular Chinese actress instead of local talent.}

Bringing Up Baby (8/10) {definitely entertains with its screwball comedy for first viewing but never creates any long lasting impact like city of Lights etc. A classic movie? Oh no. Solid time pass movie only.)


The Apartment (8.5/10) { Avoided for long time thinking it contains same old annoying battle of the sexes things but surprise to find very funny and superb charter study and nice little surprise ending.}

Brave one (7.5/10 Same old plot but engages you until the end. Good time pass thriller. Don’t expect too much.)

My small review of "High and Low" movie

Recently watched "High and Low" (1963) movie 2ed time & it is from my favorite directors, Akira Kurosawa. Brief plot is about kidnapping of a wealthy shoe magnate (Mifune)'s son & the kidnapper demands 30 million yen. However Mifune's money is tied up to buy the majority of shares to control the ownership of company. After intense struggle, at last he agrees to pay the money however another complication arises because kidnapper kidnaps his houseman’s son by mistake. Whatever may be the case, kidnapper demands the money. Here real struggle starts in Mifune's character i.e. destroy the financial stability of his home & his dreams of owning his company or to save in innocent boy's life? Unlike other Kurosawa movie, up to this point story,
story runs very fast. Finally Mifune agrees to drop the money & rest of story focus
of catching the kidnapper & his motives etc. Film works very well in terms of suspense,
brilliant action and tight screenplay. What makes the Kuroswa special is that he transformed a
simple kidnapping story in to a character study of self introspection, self loating,
self destruction to redumption. If you like suspense thriller, this fit the bill.
A must for Kurosawa fans.

Amazon's Unbox free downloads

Got an e-mail from friend about free movies & TV programs from Amazon website.
I downloaded few of them. Free & legal right. Give a shot.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/?ie=UTF8&docId=1000128561

My small review of Garden State Movie

One day I saw a film forum discussing Garden state is as good as old classic The Graduate. So this movie is in my watch list for quiet sometime. Brief plot is a socially detached man ,Zach Braff,( written & acted & directed this movie), comes home to New Jersey for the first time in nine years to attend his mother funeral and he spends most of his time hanging out with old high school friends. The group of friends, centered on his best friend turned grave digger and inventor turned millionaire. He accidentally meets a girl, Natalie Portman’s & slowly fells in love with girl. Rest of story on his transformation. Braff and Portman have great on screen chemistry and both put up great performances. Overall it is a good movie with its excellent cinematography & brilliant background score & songs. Camera angles were very cool, well planned and executed, visually attractive. Don’t watch with high expectation. You will get disappointed.

My top Ten movies of 2006

Still I have to watch many 2006 movies.

At this moment, following are my top 10 movies for year 2006.

1) The lives of others
2) Pans Labyrinth
3) Babel
4) Blood Diamond
5) Little Miss Sunshine
6) Letters from Iwo Jima
7) Inside Man
8) Half Nelson
9) Prestige
10) The Departed

I will write more later

My small review of Tears of the Son movie

The evil that men are capable of doing to other men is something that can never be explained or understood. Movie Tears of the son is another one on the same theme. I am not big fan of director Antoine Fuqua but I enjoyed his earlier movie Training day.
So I brought Tears of the son movie DVD. Brief plot is US military sends navy seals to rescue an American doctor Dr. Kendricks played by Monica Belluci & few other Americans trapped in war torn Nigerian country & Bruce Willis heads the seals team in to action. His Mission will get complicated by the doctor who insists that they need to rescue 70 other refugees. Rest of the movie is about whether Bruce & his team save the doctor, refugees or not. With little or no plot, this movie holds viewers interest till the end. The acting is VERY good & intense, thrilling, and at times it is disturbing movie. There are many new African American actors in this movie that did amazing job in this movie & Bruce Willis is the man, He did fabulous job. Anyone looking for good military thriller, this movie fits in to bill.

Last weekend movies

Tears of the son (7.5/10)
{Solid movie. With little or no plot, movie holds viewers interest. Bruce Willis did good job. }

Duck soup ( 9.5/10)
{awesome movie.}

Garden State (2004) (7.5 /10)
{ A different love story.}